Relais & Châteaux Spa Hotel Jagdhof, Neustift, Austria

· 10 minutes' walk to the village centre · 15-20 minutes' bus ride to the main ski area · shuttle bus to the glacier (three times in the morning and afternoon) · 25 minutes' drive to Innsbruck

This hotel is a 5-star smash hit, with a constellation of awards from the food to the spa and the service to boot. And it’s in a scenic spot too, sitting just outside of Neustift village, looking out across the Ruetz river and up to those snowy peaks. The ski bus stop is steps from the door, so you’ll be winding your way along the valley to the lifts or up to the glacier in no time.

The spa here is the jewel in the hotel’s crown. There are tonnes of facilities, from timber-scented saunas and rejuvenating steams rooms to whirlpools with underwater music and rainfall shower grottos. And it’s designed to feel like you’re travelling from place to place – you’ll spot roman-style columns, mini terracotta rooves and alpine art as you explore. And while the spa is just for adults, the pools are ideal for guests of all ages, so take your pick from an indoor dip or an open-air swim.

To top it off, the food here’s been awarded 17 points by Gault & Millau, a French food guide like Michelin, so your half-board meals are something special. Mornings start with a gourmet buffet spread, think freshly baked bread, pastries and fruit, plus made-to-order dishes like pancakes and omelettes. In the evenings, you’ll dig into to 5 courses with meat, fish, veggie and low-carb choices on the menu, as well as a cheese buffet served with chutneys and truffle honey. When you’ve had your fill, you can curl up by the fireplace in a bar and wind down for the night with a tipple or two.

· lounge with fireplace · bar with fireplace · extra charge for wine tasting in a traditional cellar · sun terrace · live music on selected nights through the week · 3,000m² jSPA with heated indoor and outdoor pools, 20 spa facilities including baths, steam rooms, saunas and whirlpools, and a relaxation room with waterbeds (the spa area is adults-only, but the swimming pools can be used by kids as well.) · complimentary fruit juice and tea in the spa · private spa area available for an extra charge · extra charge for treatments and massages · gym and free fitness classes · games room with TV, Wii, Playstation 3 and darts · free hotel-run kids' club with entertainment programme for ages 4-15 years (open daily during school holidays and two full days and two half days in term time ) · extra charge for babysitting · kid's playroom with toys · daily English newspapers · free WiFi · lift to all floors

Please note: There are clothed and unclothed areas in the spa.

All rooms are non-smoking and have flatscreen, smart TV with English channels, telephone, safe, minibar, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers and balcony. Tea and coffee-making facilities are available for an extra charge.

Family room - sleeps 2-4 (max 3 adults and 1 child up to 15 years old): Austrian twin beds, double sofa bed, private shower or bath, WC.

Twin room - sleeps 2-3 (max 2 adults and 1 child up to 15 years old): Austrian twin beds, single sofa bed, private shower or bath, WC and balcony.

Single room - sleeps 1: Single bed, private shower, WC and balcony.

Austrian twin beds: One large bed frame containing two single mattresses, each with their own bedding.

Cots are available to hire for approx. €20 per night, payable locally.

Half Board

· welcome drink · hot and cold buffet breakfast · afternoon cake buffet · 5-course evening meal with a choice of all courses and daily salad and cheese buffets (smart dress required) · weekly starter and dessert buffets

Many Austrian hotels do not serve free tap water with meals.